Appreciation post: My rainwater barrel system is a game changer for my veggie garden

I put together a simple rainwater setup from old barrels last spring, and it's been awesome for keeping my plants alive during hot summers. It saves me money on water bills too. But I've noticed some green slime growing inside the barrels, and I'm worried it might harm my vegetables. I tried adding a screen on top, but it still gets in. Has anyone dealt with this before and found a good way to clean it without chemicals? I'd really appreciate any tips you have for keeping the system clean and safe for my garden.

4 comments

4 Comments

kim.margaret1mo ago

I mean, every time I try something natural, there's always a weird side effect.

parkerbrown1mo ago

Ugh, totally feel that. I tried switching to this fancy peppermint tea for my stomach, and it gave me the worst heartburn. Like, how does that even happen? My rule now is to try any new natural thing super slow, like a tiny amount first. Saves me from a full day of weirdness.

jessica1301mo ago

Weird, natural things usually sit well with me. @parkerbrown has a point about easing into it though, that can make a big difference lmao.

nguyen.lily26d ago

Yeah, @jessica130, I feel that. I once tried a ginger shot for my stomach and my body reacted like I'd swallowed a tiny sun. I was just sitting there, sweating, wondering if this was the "natural glow" people talk about. Now I test new stuff with a dose so small it's basically just a polite suggestion to my insides.